Western Force co-captain Trilleen Pomare says they couldn’t halt the Fijian Drua’s momentum in Saturday’s defeat but is already eyeing off back-to-back home games over the next fortnight.
The Force let slip a 24-10 lead to go down 29-24 away to the Drua in Lautoka on Saturday afternoon.
It had been an encouraging first half where the Force bossed possession and territory, scoring tries from Allana Sikimeti and Adi Vani Buleki.
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But the Drua grabbed hold of the momentum in a stunning burst with three tries within 15 minutes to snatch victory, holding out the Force’s late attempts for a game-winning score.
Pomare said: “I think we lost it in that last 20 minutes. They really changed the momentum.
“The crowd got behind them. Then we just didn’t play in the right areas.”
The result puts the Force on the back foot in the five-round competition where the side had the Round 1 bye.
The Force are already looking ahead to their next opportunity to get a win on the board, hosting the Queensland Reds at Wanneroo Rugby Club on Saturday from 2:05pm.
The WA side are at home again seven days later against the NSW Waratahs on Saturday 27 June from 2:05pm at Palmyra Rugby Club. Both games are free entry.
Pomare said: “The good thing is we’ve got two back-to-back games at home. Hopefully we can fix that up.”
When dissecting the Drua defeat, Pomare was pragmatic, albeit noting Ella Pietsch – who was on crutches post game - and Sera Naiqama both had to be replaced in the first half.
“We had an 80-minute fight out there,” she said. “I think we had a lot of debutants and a few key changes early on.
“We really backed ourselves to finish it in the end but dura were too strong, so credit to the girls.”
Pomare was glowing of the support at Churchill Park, with the Fijian out in numbers to get behind their team.
“Atmosphere was unreal,” she said.
“I know the Fijian people like to get behind their team, even though they’re not cheering for us. It’s always a great atmosphere to be a part of.”
Next Saturday’s game against the Reds is part of a triple-header with the Super W sandwiched between Fortescue Premier Grade women’s (12:05pm) and men’s (4:05pm) fixtures for Wanneroo against Cottesloe. The games are free entry.
View all the game day info for Saturday's triple-header at Wanneroo here
